Elliott Wilson Picks The 20 Best Female Rappers Right Now

on
rappers
Getty Image/Derrick Rossignol

With all due respect, the past is the past. I love Roxanne Shante, Salt N’ Pepa, MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, Lil Kim, Foxy Brown, Da Brat, Eve, Lauryn Hill, and Missy Elliott. But the following list is focused on what’s going’ on today.

Hip-hop’s heartbeat in 2025 belongs to the ladies. The male-dominated rap scene is no more as these fearless female voices rap, sing, and style their way to the forefront of the culture. So with the state of the culture as competitive as it’s ever been, it’s time to crown the 20 best female rappers right now.

That’s right: It’s one life, one love, so there can only be one Queen. It’s time to put things all in perspective. Let their fierce fan bases be damned. Who’s the best MC: Nicki, Cardi, or Glo?

20. Che Noir

When you think of Buffalo, New York hip-hop, it’s Westside Gunn and his Griselda crew that quickly come to mind. But there’s a female MC/producer who’s become a movement by herself. After connecting with and drawing inspiration from fellow underground MC 38 Spesh in 2019, Che has built a mighty independent catalog which includes the release of three albums (Seeds In Babylon, The Color Chocolate 2, and No Validation) this year alone.

19. Tierra Whack

Don’t let the new wave of female MCs cloud your vision: This Philadelphia spitter remains a force with her unconventional approach to making music. Whack’s 2018 debut mixtape Whack World contained 15 one-minute songs with an accompanying video for each. Her 2024 debut album World Wide Whack was criminally slept-on and it still feels like this versatile vocalist still hasn’t reached her full potential.

18. Samara Cyn

Although she’s been hampered by comparisons to Doja Cat for their similar vocal tones, Samara has broken through this year with soulful singles like “Bad Brain” and a triumvirate of major co-signs. Cyn is the lone female of this year’s XXL Freshman class. Lauryn Hill brought her out as a guest at her Jazz Fest concert in Miami. Denzel Washington told Good Morning America he’s up on that Smino and Samara Cyn collab “Brand New Teeth.” You should be, too.

17. Anycia

Don’t let her laid-back flow fool you: Anycia is passionate about her music and her Atlanta roots. Her breakthrough came courtesy of her 2024 Latto-featuring hit “Back Outside,” and this past summer, Nene continued to pay homage to her hometown with her DJ Drama-hosted Grady Baby. The project’s stand-out track, “Put Up,” features playful back-and-forths with Quavo. Yup, that’s more Georgia greatness.

16. Little Simz

London’s finest female MC has been rappin’ since the 2010s and her notoriety continues to rise. Simz’s latest critically acclaimed album, Lotus, is deeply personal, as evidenced by the opening track, “Thief,” a clap back at former producer Info. Her second single, “Free,” is my favorite here and I would love to see her work garner more American consumption.

15. Ice Spice

“They say they wanted a bop. I was just poppin’ my sh*t, I didn’t really mean to go pop,” Ice Spice boasts on her new single, “Baddie Baddie.” Undoubtedly, the Bronx Bomber has conquered the charts with hits like “Munch (Feelin’ U),” “In Ha Mood,” and “Deli,” so despite her recent visit to Paris Fashion Week, The Princess of the X remains focused on the music.

14. Pluto

While the consensus is that we didn’t have a clear hip-hop anthem this past summer, no one can deny that this Atlanta newcomer shook things up with her whimsical, YKNiece-featuring “Whim Whammie.” Pluto is the leader of a new wave of ATL female MCs, which includes BunnaB and Bankroll Ni, and her bold style is evident on “2 Crash Outs,” her captivating collaboration with man of the hour YoungBoy Never Broke Again.

13. JT

Leaving a successful group like City Girls and going solo is no easy task, but JT seems to have the confidence, skill, and swagger to pull it off. Her 2024 solo debut mixtape City Cinderella showcased her promise and her triumphant trap anthem. “Okay” went gold and caught the attention of Jeezy, who hopped on the remix. Time will tell if JT will officially respond to rival Cardi B, but for certain, she’ll stay in today’s conversation.

12. Flo Milli

After conquering TikTok in 2019 with her two catchy clever tunes — the Ethereal and Playboi Carti flip “Beef FloMix” and the playful “In The Party” — Flo ascended in 2024 with her album Fine Ho, Stay, which was anchored by the platinum smash “Never Lose Me.” This year, the new mother just released the potent “Perfect Person” and preps for the future.

11. Coi Leray

The daughter of Benzino, Coi is already hip-hop’s most successful second-generation artist. Her two big platinum hits have solidified that: 2021’s nifty “No More Parties,” which knocks with or without Lil Durk, and “Players,” a female-empowerment bop that samples Grandmaster Flash’s “The Message.” Fresh off the birth of her first child, Coi is currently back with a West Coast slap, “Act Like You Know” featuring Shoreline Mafia.

10. Sexyy Red

Yeah, Sexyy’s been in a bit of a slump lately. “Fat Juicy & Wet” with Bruno Mars lacked magic and “Hoochie Coochie” was horrendous, but I’m confident the St. Louis rapper will get her swagger back. Until then, we’re still turning up to “Get It Sexyy,” “SkeeYee,” and “Pound Town. Don’t count Janae Wherry out.

9. Lizzo

Although she has a cannon of massive hits like “Truth Hurts” and “Good As Hell,” Lizzo showcases her love for hip-hop culture with her latest project, My Face Hurts From Smiling. On this “mixtape,” she flaunts and flows all over “Whim Whamiee” (via “Yitty On Tittys (Freestyle)”), rejects the fellas with Doja (“Still Can’t Fuh”), and goes toe-to-toe with Tierra Whack (“Internet”). Dig the new direction.

8. Rapsody

“Under-appreciated, but I’m still the most respected,” Rapsody observed on her amazing, Hit-Boy produced “Asteroids.” Truer words have never been spoken. Although Rap might not have the certifications or plaques of some of her female peers, she remains a formidable vocal force that no one wants to disrespect or dare battle. Go polish her Grammy.

7. Doja Cat

A self-proclaimed “rapper that makes pop music,” Doja continues to carve her own lane in the rap game with her recent fifth album, Vie, anchored by the outstanding single “Gorgeous.” The demand for Doja is so high she’s set to embark on a massive world tour that begins November 18, 2025 in Auckland, New Zealand and concludes December 1, 2026 at New York’s Madison Square Garden. Enjoy the show.

6. Doechii

The Swamp Princess dropped her second “mixtape,” Alligator Bites Never Heal, on August 30, 2024, the final date of eligibility for the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. Six months later, Jaylah graced the stage and collected her award for Best Rap Album. Doe is closing out 2025 strong with a 16-city tour as we impatiently wait for her next full project.

5. Megan Thee Stallion

The salacious headlines about her personal life can’t disguise the fact that Meg has become one of the most successful hip-hop artists of the 2020s. The H-Town hottie has been turning heads and ripping mics since “Big Ole Freak,” and she’s most recently been teasing a new snippet that samples Total’s “Kissin’ You,” which sounds like another potential hit to me.

4. Latto

Atlanta’s current queen of rap has delivered three straight gold albums: Queen Of Da Souf (2020), 777 (2022), and Sugar Honey Iced Tea (2024). Although she loves to showcase her sexy style, Big Mama has shown with battle-ready songs like “Sunday Service” that she takes her craft seriously and is not the MC to play with.

3. GloRilla

When you think motion, you think of Glo. This lady from Memphis who has crafted a gang of platinum anthems like “F.N.F. (Let’s Go),” “Tomorrow,” “Yeah Glo!,” and “Wanna Be.” Glo’s charismatic wit shined even brighter on her 2024 studio debut album Glorious, which featured more musical triumphs, like the irresistible “T.G.I.F.” We eagerly await Ms. Woods’ next moves.

2. Nicki Minaj

Like a prime Mike Tyson delivering punches to the face, the queen from Queens ruled rap in the 2010s with an iron fist. Although the female rap scene has become bountiful today, Onika has maintained her career GOAT status with her powerful 2023 album Pink Friday 2 and the promise that her Royal Highness will return in March 2026 with her next album. Things are sure to get interesting.

1. Cardi B

It took seven years for Belcalis to follow her classic 2018 debut Invasion Of Privacy, but one listen to her dynamic Am I The Drama? proves she hasn’t lost a step. In fact, Bardi’s better than she’s ever been while pouring her heart over her ex Offset (“Man Of Your Word”) or chin-checking female competitors like JT (“Magnet”) and Bia (“Pretty & Petty”). It’s a helluva triumphant return. Trap Selena is back on top.



source https://uproxx.com/music/best-female-rappers-right-now/

Comments

Post a Comment

Hip Hop and Music: A Cultural Evolution

Hip Hop and Music: A Cultural Evolution and What Listeners Look For Hip hop is more than just a genre of music; it is a cultural movement that has deeply influenced the world for over four decades. Originating in the South Bronx during the 1970s, hip hop was birthed from the creative expression of marginalized communities. What started as a fusion of DJing, breakdancing, graffiti art and MCing (rapping) quickly became a global phenomenon. Over the years, hip hop has expanded its reach, influencing various aspects of society, from fashion and language to politics and social movements. But what exactly do listeners seek when they tune in to their favorite hip hop tracks? Let’s explore.

The Evolution of Hip Hop Music

The Evolution of Hip Hop Music At its core, hip hop music is built on rhythm and lyricism. Early pioneers like DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, and Run-D.M.C. laid the foundation for what we now recognize as hip hop. They mixed disco, funk, and soul beats with rhythmic rapping to create a unique sound. Through the 1980s and 1990s, iconic artists such as Tupac, The Notorious B.I.G., Nas, and Jay-Z further shaped the genre, adding deeper narratives that explored social issues, struggles, and triumphs.
In the 2000s, hip hop saw its golden age evolve into new sub-genres, from Southern hip hop (e.g., OutKast and Lil Wayne) to the rise of trap music (led by artists like Future, Gucci Mane, and Migos). Today, artists continue to experiment with hybrid sounds, blending trap with pop, rock, and electronic music, creating a more diverse landscape for the genre.

What Listeners Look for in Hip Hop Music

What Listeners Look for in Hip Hop Music While the genre has evolved, the heart of hip hop music still beats with certain core elements that listeners continue to seek. Here’s what attracts audiences to hip hop music:

1. Authenticity

One of the most important qualities of hip hop is its authenticity. Listeners are drawn to artists who stay true to themselves, their roots, and their experiences. Whether an artist is rapping about overcoming hardship, life in the streets, or personal triumphs, their genuineness resonates with fans. Authenticity gives hip hop its raw edge, connecting the artist's voice with listeners on a deeply personal level.

2. Lyricism and Wordplay

Hip hop has always been a platform for storytelling, and the craft of lyricism is highly valued. Fans look for clever wordplay, metaphors, punchlines, and deep storytelling in their favorite tracks. Rappers like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Nas are revered for their intricate lyricism and ability to convey powerful messages through their words. A song with sharp bars, vivid imagery, and emotional depth can elevate a listener’s connection to the music.

3. Beat and Production Quality

The beat is often the first thing people notice in a hip hop song. A catchy, hard-hitting beat can make or break a track, and producers play an integral role in shaping the sound of hip hop music. Producers like Dr. Dre, Kanye West, and Metro Boomin have become household names for their distinctive production styles. From boom-bap beats to trap drums, the instrumental elements are essential in drawing listeners into the rhythm and groove of the song.

4. Innovation and Evolution

Hip hop is known for its constant evolution. Fans of the genre are often on the lookout for artists who push boundaries and experiment with new sounds. This spirit of innovation keeps the genre fresh and exciting. From the rise of auto-tune with artists like T-Pain to the blend of electronic and rap seen with artists like Travis Scott, listeners are eager for new music that challenges the traditional limits of hip hop.

5. Vibe and Energy

Hip hop isn’t just about the lyrics or the beat—it’s also about the energy the music brings. Whether it’s a party anthem, an introspective track, or a political statement, the vibe and energy of a song play a crucial role in how it resonates with fans. Artists like Drake, Cardi B, and Lil Uzi Vert have mastered the art of creating tracks that make listeners feel a certain way, whether it’s hyped up, laid back, or reflective.

6. Relatability and Emotional Connection

Hip hop has always been an outlet for self-expression and commentary on life experiences. Because of this, listeners often gravitate toward songs that reflect their own lives, struggles, and aspirations. Whether it’s a song about the challenges of growing up in a tough environment, the celebration of personal success, or the experience of love and heartbreak, hip hop has the unique ability to connect emotionally with audiences. Fans often seek songs that speak to their individual journeys and provide comfort, validation, or empowerment.

The Global Reach of Hip Hop

What was once confined to the streets of New York City has now become a global cultural force. From Tokyo to Paris, hip hop has spread across continents, influencing artists and listeners worldwide. In recent years, artists from outside the U.S. have brought their own cultural influences to the genre, blending hip hop with local sounds, languages, and traditions. The genre’s global reach is a testament to its universal themes of struggle, self-expression, and empowerment.

Conclusion

Hip hop music is an ever-evolving cultural powerhouse that has grown from a localized subculture into a global sensation. The authenticity, lyricism, production quality, innovation, energy, and emotional depth are the main ingredients that attract listeners to hip hop. While the genre continues to change, its core values remain consistent—offering a space for self-expression, storytelling, and connection. As hip hop continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly remain a major force in shaping the future of music. Whether you’re a fan of classic boom-bap or modern trap, hip hop’s diverse range offers something for everyone, proving that its cultural impact is here to stay.